Wisconsin Badgers v South Carolina Gamecocks
January 1st, 1pm Eastern
Florida Citrus Bowl, Florida
No. 19 Wisconsin Season Review
The 2013 season did not go quite as planned for Wisconsin – two losses against unraked opponents all but sealed their fate as a lower-ranked side. A defeat to Ohio State was expected but missing out on victories over Arizona State and Penn State was not in the storyline. No. 19 Northwestern were defeated along with No. 25 Minnesota, Iowa, and BYU. The Badgers ranked eighth in the FBS rushing yards per game while their defense held teams to an average of 14.8 points per game, a mark good for fifth in the nation.
No. 9 South Carolina Season Review
Despite overcoming two top-ten ranked opponents in 2013, South Carolina finished the season ranked ninth after slipping up against Tennessee midway through the season. An early loss to Georgia was always going to be a tough game but with a fairly easy schedule the Gamecocks could ill afford losses to unraked teams. A 27-24 overtime win against the undefeated Missouri is undoubtedly a highlight while the 14-points victory over Clemson in the season finale is not far behind.
Game Matchup
The Badgers defense must stop Connor Shaw. The senior quarterback is playing his final game for South Carolina and is having his best season ever. 2,135 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and just one interceptions is coupled with five rushing touchdowns. Shaw is the ultimate competitor and will give everything he has to beat the stingy Wisconsin defense.
Draft Impact
Jadeveon Clowney is the best pass rushing prospect since Mario Williams and, like the former, could go first overall when the draft rolls around in May. For a man who stands 6’6” and 275lbs he has no right to move as fast as he does. He has an array of pass rushing moves, an incredible get off the snap and a nose for the football. Teams simply plan to avoid Clowney. Be sure to keep an eye on #7 for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Badger running backs Melvin Gordon and James White intrigue a lot of people after they both surpassed 1,300 yards in 2013. Gordon has great vision, is patient and has enough speed to outrun defenses. White, on the other hand, is not quite as talented as Gordon but does have pro potential. He is a smaller back who excels in balance and burst but lacks the size to be a high-end pick.
Badger middle linebacker Chris Borland is intriguing. The athletic defender flows well to the ball and has great instincts. Learning techniques at the next level will be key.
Wide receiver Jared Abbrederis is mid-round player who could gain some attention as the draft nears. At 6’2” he runs crisp routes and has solid hands. Straight line speed will be the big question at the next level.